May 2012 Student of the Month

Meet Gian Besana, student of the month.

Hometown: Winston-Salem, NC

Class: Freshman

Major:  International Studies

Sample Courses:

• Intermediate Portuguese
• Latin America Since 1826
• Contemporary Moral Issues

Activities:

• International Studies Club Co-Vice President
• Model United Nations Co-President
• Alternative Spring Break to Guatemala, Spring 2012
• Barkada (Filipino Student Association) Cultural Leader
• Small Group Leader, NCSU Office of International Services
• NCSU Photo Club Secretary
• Leadership in Action Member, NCSU Center for Student Leadership, Ethics & Public Service

Honors:

• NCSU Chancellor Leadership Scholar
• Outstanding Achievement Award in Second Year Portuguese

Postgraduate Plans:

Graduate work in International Studies.  Work with a governmental or non-profit organization.

What has been your favorite course so far?

My Latin American History course.  It is a First Year Inquiry class, so it only had about 20 students.  It was rewarding to get to know a professor on a closer basis.

How have you been so active here on campus?

I have always been a very involved student, and here at State, I truly wanted to develop my leadership skills.  I enjoy being more than just a member; it is a personal challenge to accomplish more. For example, next year I will be president of the Model United Nations Club. I will organize juniors and seniors in the group, while I will only be a sophomore. My goal will be to grow the club and take it further.

What advice would you give incoming students?

Join clubs and branch out. There is such diversity on campus – take advantage of this time to discover yourself. But also be sure to keep up with your classes so you can maintain good grades.